why is it so hard to find a cure for cancer?

[fabfleur]

my dad has lung cancer (not because of smoking) and its so frustrating that doctors can't find a cure for a common disease that kills so many people each year

[honhill]

Sorry to hear about your father.
As to your question, cancer is essentially the same issue (cells gone wrong) in many different areas of the body. Some areas of the body respond very well to treatment (such as the cervix) while other areas (such as the pancreas, lungs, and ovaries) are more difficult to treat.
As the first poster noted, one problem with current cancer treatment is that it also kills healthy cells. Fortunately, progress is being made, but it is slow.
On a bright note, keep hope! I have an uncle who has had lung cancer for over 10 years now and while he is ill, he is able to be with his family at home and enjoy life as much as possible.

[Wisdom]

Cancer cells are your own cells dividing out of control. You can kill cancer cells, but doing so will kill a lot of your healthy cells too.

[Assley]

They probably do have a cure. I mean, they have so many scientists and stuff working on it. The way this country runs im sure its all about money, and the insurance companies make more money from treatments and everything else than if there was a cure. It is very frustrating, especially when its affecting someone you love.